How to Write a Job Description That Your Volunteers Will Love

Every Volunteer Deserves a Job Description

Why Volunteer Job Description Are So Important

No business or nonprofit would start hiring people before they figured out what they needed them to do. They write job descriptions in great detail because they are the blueprints for recruiting, managing, and retaining employees.

The same principle applies to volunteers.

An incredibly useful tool, the volunteer job description helps your volunteer recruitment efforts, the management of that volunteer, and retaining him or her. Setting expectations with a job description should be job number one for any volunteer manager.

Each job description should explain the assignment, plus the skills, abilities and interests necessary to perform the volunteer task successfully.

Clarity is what every volunteer prefers. Before you even start recruiting volunteers, make a list of the jobs you want them to perform and then describe those positions as clearly as you can.

What to Include in a Volunteer Job Description

There are many ways to write the position description but here are some areas it should cover:

Job TitleA descriptive title gives the volunteer a sense of identity and helps salaried staff and other volunteers understand this particular role. Steer away from descriptions that have to do with pay. For example, why call the receptionist a "volunteer" receptionist? You don't say "paid" receptionist for a staff member.

Work LocationWhere will the individual be working? Can the work be done at home or a particular site? Is there public transportation near your job site/s so you can recruit people who might not have personal transportation?

Purpose of the PositionHow will the volunteer's work affect a project's outcome, clients, or mission? State the expected impact for both direct service and administrative assignments so that volunteers understand how important they are to the organization.

Responsibilities and DutiesExplain the volunteer position's specific responsibilities and obligations. Say clearly what is expected.

QualificationsIt pays to be very clear and concrete when listing qualifications for any volunteer position. Include education, personal characteristics, skills, abilities and experience required.

Commitment ExpectedHow much time do you expect from the volunteer? Include length of service, hours per week, and hours per day. Include any special requirements such as weekend work.

Include the date of the description or the date that it was updated. List the volunteer supervisor's name and his/her contact information. Include information about how to get more information and whom to call if interested.

Sample of a Volunteer Job Description

Job Title: Day Chair

Purpose: The Day Chair serves as the receptionist for the Charles County Agency on Aging, supporting the Agency's mission of supporting the elderly population of Charles County. The Day Chair represents the agency to members of the public who visit its offices Monday, Weds, and Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: The Day Chair works in the public reception area of the agency's central office at 567 N. Oak St in Tulsa, OK.

Key Responsibilities:

The Day Chair answers the phone and directs calls.

Greets guests and directs them to other offices or locations.

Answers questions about the agency and provides forms when necessary.

Prints out a list of activities that take place that day at the agency's offices and satellite locations.

Makes reminder phone calls to other volunteers who assigned to projects for the following day.

Opens the mail and distributes it.

Enters donations received by mail in the database.

Proofreads brochure copy when time allows.

Aids in the preparation of bulk mailings.

Prepares correspondence as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Reports to Assistant Director of the Charles County Agency on Aging

The Length of Appointment: The Day Chair serves one day per week for three months. After three months, the Day Chair may be reappointed for another three months at the discretion of the supervisor. After six months, the person who serves as Day Chair may rotate to another position within the agency.

Time Commitment: One day per week (M, W, or F) for six hours (9-12 am and 1-4 pm), for a minimum of three months.